Don't Cry For Me...

Who knew that the humble onion would make such a media splash today?

First, medical study findings are released indicating that adding more onion into your diet could help prevent osteoporosis. And then, according to the Associated Press, the state of Georgia sets the first-ever opening date for the Vidalia onion (pictured above) season:

Tommy Irvin, Georgia's agriculture commissioner, said this week that the official 2005 Vidalia onion marketing season will begin April 28, a couple of weeks later than the usual start, which until now had been unregulated.

"The major thing we want is to assure the public that we bring to the market good, sweet mature onions," Irvin said. "It's extremely important to ensure they're not harvested before they're fully mature."

An advisory panel consisting of growers, packers, crop specialists and others decided on the date after considering crop conditions.

Over the years, Georgia has become protective of its famous onion.

A Vidalia has to be a yellow variety that is flatter than tall and meets the industry's standard for sweetness and mildness - a standard that is written into state law.

Now this is good use of tax dollars and state oversite. (I know you think I'm being facetious, but I'm not. Who doesn't love a Vidalia? Georgia should be proud - from its sweet peaches to its sweet onions!)

Comments

[Jenn]

Does this mean it's too early in the season to add Vidalias to the menu tomorrow night? Hope not. I love 'em. (And with my man out of town, I don't have to worry about having onion breath!)